[Peroxisomes--in search of their function in man].

Peroxisomes are ubiquitous subcellular organelles present in eukaryotic cells. The limiting membrane is a single membrane consisting of a triple layered structure. An increasing number of enzymes are localized in the peroxisomes. The knowledge about fatty acid beta oxidation and glycerolipid biosynthesis has increased considerably. Aberration of the peroxisomal function have been demonstrated in acatalasemia, the cerebro-hepato-renal syndrome of Zellweger, hyperpipecolic acidemia, trihydroxycoprostanic acidemia and adrenoleukodystrophy. Other peroxisomal disorders will be detected in the near future.